Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y., left, and Sen. Charles Schumer, D-N.Y., right, react after the Senate passed a $50.5 billion emergency relief measure for Superstorm Sandy victims at the Capitol in Washington, Monday, Jan. 28, 2013. Three months after Superstorm Sandy devastated coastal areas in much of the Northeast, the Senate is finaly sending a $50.5 billion emergency package of relief and recovery aid to President Obama for his signature. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

WASHINGTON (AP) — Three months after Superstorm Sandy ravaged coastal areas in much of the Northeast, Congress on Monday sent a $50.5 billion emergency relief measure for storm victims to President Barack Obama for his signature.

“I commend Congress for giving families and businesses the help they deserve, and I will sign this bill into law as soon as it hits my desk,” Obama said in a statement late Monday.

Despite opposition from conservatives concerned about adding billions of dollars more to the nation’s debt, the Senate cleared the long-delayed bill, 62-36, after House Republicans had stripped it earlier this month of spending unrelated to disasters. All 36 votes against the bill were from Republican senators.

“This is a huge relief,” said Sen. Charles Schumer, D-N.Y., noting the vote came 91 days after Sandy struck.

The House passed the bill two weeks ago. Lawmakers say the money is urgently needed to start rebuilding homes, businesses, public transportation facilities and other infrastructure damaged by the Oct. 29 Login to read more